Flat-type fluorescent lamp for illumination unit and liquid crystal device

A flat-type fluorescent lamp comprising:

• (a) a container having a first plate, a second plate, and a frame member;
• the first and second plates being opposed to each other and fixed together with the frame member in such a way as to have a specific distance between the first and second plates;
• the first plate forming a flat emission surface;
• (b) a gaseous substance confined in the container;
• (c) a fluorescent material layer formed on an inner surface of the container;
• and
• (d) electrodes for applying a voltage to the gaseous substance;
• wherein an inner edge of the frame member on a side of the first plate is shifted outwardly from an inner edge of the frame member on a side of the second plate.

A flat-type fluorescent lamp is provided, which comprises:

• (a) a container having a first plate, a second plate, and a frame member;
• the first and second plates being opposed to each other and fixed together with the frame member in such a way as to have a specific distance between the first and second plates;
• the first plate forming a flat emission surface;
• (b) a gaseous substance confined in the container;
• (c) a fluorescent material layer formed on an inner surface of the container;
• and
• (d) electrodes formed on an inner surface of the second plate;
• the electrodes having a terminal part;
• wherein the frame member has a recess for exposing the terminal part from the frame member outwardly;
• and wherein the recess is located in a peripheral area of the frame member.

A flat-type fluorescent lamp comprising:

• (a) a container having a first plate, a second plate, and a frame member;
• the first and second plates being opposed to each other and fixed together with the frame member in such a way as to have a specific distance between the first and second plates;
• the first plate forming a flat emission surface;
• (b) a gaseous substance confined in the container;
• (c) a fluorescent material layer formed on an inner surface of the container;
• and
• (d) electrodes formed on an inner surface of the second plate;
• wherein an inner edge of the frame member on a side of the first plate is shifted outwardly from an inner edge of the frame member on a side of the second plate;
• and wherein an outer edge of the frame member on the side of the second plate is shifted inwardly from an outer edge of the frame member on the side of the first plate.